At our annual A.A. White Society dinner for leading Law Center contributors, I cited Malcolm Gladwell’s book “The Tipping Point.” The title refers to the moment when something unusual becomes commonplace. I believe that’s exactly where we stand at the Law Center: at a “tipping point” of national prominence. For supporting evidence, I can cite these recent activities and achievements:

The results of the July 2007 Texas Bar Exam have just been released, with 91.83% of our alumni passing – our best performance since 2001.

The Law Center opened November with two significant symposia: the 12th Annual Frankel Lecture addressing Katrina-related immigration issues; and a 40-year retrospective on the landmark In Re Gault decision hosted by our Center for Children, Law & Policy.

Our newly formed chapter of the American Constitutional Society wasted no time in earning first-ever national recognition among the 155 ACS chapters at U.S. law schools.

The summary judgment here is a single word: excellence. It’s an ideal that is increasingly realized on our campus, and I encourage you to join us at upcoming events where we apprise alumni and friends of new “tipping points” of excellence.